Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp celebrates after keeping Birmingham City in the Championship the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Birmingham City at Ashton Gate, Bristol, England on 7 May 2017. Photo by Andrew Lewis.

Birmingham City boss speaks about Aston Villa defender link

Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp celebrates after keeping Birmingham City in the Championship the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Birmingham City at Ashton Gate, Bristol, England on 7 May 2017. Photo by Andrew Lewis.

The former Tottenham Hotspurs boss has made four signings so far this summer, bringing goalkeeper David Stockdale, defender Mac Roberts and midfielders Craig Gardner and Chiekh N’Doye to St Andrews. However numerous clubs are increasing their asking prices in the hope of taking advantage of the Blues’ larget transfer budget.

Elphick left Premier League Bournemouth last summer for a fee rumoured to be around £million and the Villains would be looking to get the majority of that fee back should the experienced defender be sold this summer.

29-year-old Elphick has had first-team opportunities limited at Villa Park, making just 26 appearances for them last term as they finished 13th in the Sky Bet Championship, 18 points outside the play-off places.

However, Redknapp is only willing to complete a deal on his terms rather than paying an inflated fee.

“I like Tommy and I followed Tommy’s career at Bournemouth. He was the captain at Bournemouth, he was a leader, he was a fantastic character for Bournemouth in their rise through the divisions.” he said.

“He was an outstanding player for Bournemouth in the Premier League so Tommy is a good player.

“If he’s available at the right price, he’s a player that would interest us – but it has to be the right price.”

Elphick began his career as a youngster at Brighton, going on to appear over 150 times for the Seagulls before moving to Bournemouth in August 2012.